THE delayed expansion of the Pickering Brook townsite has been given refreshed attention after a deputation called for council support on the related bushfire management plan.

Pickering Brook resident Sue Marchesano had been a long-time campaigner for action on the townsite expansion.

Pickering Brook townsite expansion deferral reported the City of Kalamunda voted to defer the decision on the Pickering Brook scheme amendment.

At the time, Kalamunda Southeast Ward councillor John Giardina said he was worried rushing a decision by the WA planning commission (WAPC) could result in outright rejection of the proposal.

According to Pickering Brook to expand (Echo News, November 27, 2020) the first phase of a two-phase report was endorsed by state government.

Mrs Marchesano first began waiting for the town’s expansion 36 years ago though the project’s future still remained uncertain.

Mrs Marchesano said the bushfire management plans coming before council compelled her to speak to council about the townsite expansion again.

“Six months ago, the WAPC deferred consideration of the Pickering Brook Metropolitan Region Scheme amendment so the City of Kalamunda could update the bushfire management plan and prepare a bushfire risk management plan,” she said.

“That’s what’s happened now and DFES has endorsed the bushfire management plan.”

Mrs Marchesano said the community sentiment was the townsite expansion project had taken too long.

“They’re still hopeful it will happen, but they’re asking why it hasn’t happened yet,” she said.

“The main thing is that in 2020, then-planning minister Rita Saffioti said all the investigations had been done and it was going to go ahead but then it was held up for another four years.

“The City of Kalamunda has done a really good job coming this far and now they’re presenting everything to the WAPC.

“It’s just a matter of waiting for the WAPC to consider the bushfire management plan and make a decision on the metropolitan region scheme amendment.”

Kalamunda MLA Adam Hort said the Pickering Brook townsite expansion is a vital project to revitalise the area which he strongly supported alongside the community.

“Sensible development that fits the character and community of the Perth Hills is desperately needed, assisting in our efforts to sustain the local sporting clubs, businesses and community facilities, while giving more families the opportunity to live and remain in Pickering Brook,” he said.

“Bushfire safety must be taken seriously, and any expansion must be carefully planned.

“However, these issues need to be worked through collaboratively and with urgency, rather than allowing a widely supported project to remain stalled indefinitely.

“I will continue supporting the city and the Pickering Brook community and advocating for the state government and the WAPC to provide a clear and timely pathway forward.”